Internal Frame Backpack Guide

Best Internal Frame Backpack – Reviews and Guide

How important is the decision of choosing a backpack? Well if you consider that it will serve as your luggage when your on the move whether you like to hike or go camping then the backpack you pick will affect how easily you get there. Taking your time and picking one that will serve you well instead of ruining an otherwise enjoyable excursion.

Honestly, you would probably be happy to have ANY backpack with you. But since you are reading this, you are someone that likes to plan ahead, and you don’t want just any old backpack, you want the best internal frame backpack possible.

Quick Comparison – Best Internal Frame Packs

We have reviewed various internal frame backpacks and interviewed many users, in our quest to find the best internal frame backpack and believe me, every person we asked came up with a different pack as their needs were different.

There is no backpack which is 100% perfect, but based on our experience and feedback from various users like us, here are the suggested top 3 products with a quick comparison:

Top 5 Internal Frame Backpacks

Below you will find our top 5 favorites for overall best internal frame backpacks along with more a more detailed review of each. So, pull up your camping chair, let us delve into these options.

Teton Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

The Explorer 4000 is packed full with great features usually found only on more expensive backpacks such as a full-length adjustable torso that enables this pack to be adjusted for those whose height is 5 feet 1 inch tall all the way up to 6 feet 4 inches tall.

The padded back and airflow system provides padding in the perfect spots while allowing substantial airflow to prevent your back from getting too hot.

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

The Scout 3400 is a brilliant sized backpack for the beginner. It comes complete with adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly.

For water storage it comes with a padded water bladder pocket. A top-loading main compartment and a sleeping bag compartment complete the pack. Includes bright yellow attached rain fly and is hydration system ready. Read:Teton Sports Scout 3400 Review

High Sierra Tech Series 59405 Titan 65 Internal Frame Pack

The Titan 65 is the latest 65-liter from Titan. It comes with a top-loaded main compartment with gusseted drawstring closure and adjustable top lid. It also features a front-load sleeping bag compartment with divider.

The great S-shaped ERGO-FIT shoulder strap harness with load-lifters adjust to fit regular size torso allowing it to offer great comfort. Read: High Sierra Tech Series 59405 Review

High Sierra Tech Series 59404 Titan 55 Internal Frame Pack

The Titan 59404 from High Sierra’s Tech Series offers a great 55 litre capacity and is still streamlined. The Titan will carry any heavy loads with relative ease due to its S-shaped Ergo-Fit shoulder strap harness with load-lifters that can be adjusted to fit a slender torso.

The backpack’s padded back panel provides great load support while the large Airflow channels and uniquely contoured internal frame structure ensure you are kept cool and dry. Read: High Sierra Tech Series 59404 Review

High Sierra Classic Series 59501 Appalachian 75 Internal Frame Pack

The Appalachian 59501 is perfect for grand expeditions with a super 75 litres sized main-compartment, and weighs in at just 5.8 pounds. This offers great flexibility ensuring that you’ll have the space you need whether you’re spending a day on the peaks or a week in the woods.

Other great features include a drop bottom sleeping bag compartment with divider, an internal hydration reservoir sleeve and dual exit ports for the tube (although the reservoir is not included). Read: High Sierra Classic Series 59501 review

What is an Internal Frame Backpack?

Internal frame backpacks use flat bars to distribute the weight. They are more flexible than the external frame variety. These camping backpacks are also less likely to snag on tree branches or other objects. An internal frame is more comfortable for the beginner and has extra padding for comfort.

Internal frame backpacks are capable of carrying the varied gear a person will need for a wilderness excursion. One of the most important considerations that you will need to make is how many days or how long you would on average be on the trail. Every backpack is rated in relation to its main compartments capacity in cubic inches.

Most modern backpacks are built with a waterproof sleeve inside to hold a water bladder with a convenient hole in the pack to allow the drinking hose to go through, great whilst on the trail. The pack should come with both shoulder straps and padded hip belts, giving greater weight distribution for great comfort. Some backpacks will come with a load lifting strap at the top allowing a user to lift a loaded backpack without having to use the shoulder straps.

Advantages of the having an Internal Frame Backpack

An internal frame is considered to be more comfortable for the beginner and has extra padding for comfort. The offer greater flexibility the other types of backpacks since the internal frame is composed of aluminium. This frame is capable of bending to fit closer to the back of the wearer.

Offer great maneuverability since the body hugging profile reduces the potential that the backpack will catch against rocks or branches and makes them ideal for climbing mountains or bushwhacking through undergrowth. The thick back padding on the pack is composed from synthetic material that wicks moisture away allowing it to dry quickly.

How to Pick an Internal Frame Backpack

When choosing the ideal backpacks there are a number of considerations that you should look into to help make your decision

Capacity

Before purchasing a backpack, you will need to work out how many items you will be taking with you. Backpacks that have a capacity of 6,000 cubic inches are perfect for a week’s camping. But if you are going for fewer than two days, then a backpack that can only hold 4,000 cubic inches should be adequate.

Weight Distribution

Whilst traveling on the trail the design of the backpack can tire your shoulders that take most of the weight, so the weight distribution of the backpack can be very important. Internal frame backpacks are quite flexible and their designed keep the load close to your body. Numerous support points along the shoulders and waist such as the hip belt will distribute the weight reducing the stress on your shoulders allowing a comfortable fit against the back and reducing fatigue.

Water

Whenever you are hiking or camping you will need to carry an adequate amount of water so it can be useful to select a backpack with special compartments to store your water bottle where you can easily access it when needed. Some camping backpacks can have special compartments that are big enough for you to store a complete hydration system.

Maneuverability

Internal frame backpacks have a more slender profile then their external frame counterparts and the shoulder straps are in most models narrower, therefore freeing the arms. The figure hugging design will allow you to take part in activities such as skiing, rock climbing and even hiking through heavy brush.

Summary

Now that you have seen the various options and our top picks for the best internal frame backpacks on the market, it is now up to yourself to select what meets your needs, is it within your price range, and overall help you gear up for your outdoor adventures.

As you know, new backpacks are being created all the time by new and old manufacturers. For that reason, the comparison chart above will be updated as new backpacks need to be added to the list. Or if you feel like we missed a superior backpack that needs to be included on the list, let me know in the comments below!